As with Guardians of the Galaxy back in 2014, it's been said that Doctor Strange was a risky project for Marvel Studios to undertake. It seems like a big jump from movies about heroes made through technology or science to those who use magic. And yet this film is no less believable, just as fun and has even more spectacular visual effects than all of it's predecessors in the MCU.
It was apparent the moment the first stills were released that Benedict Cumberbatch certainly looks perfect for the part. And as usual, Marvel have been spot on with their casting. Throughout the film he exudes an air of complete egotism and arrogance, and yet still proves to be a likeable lead, much like Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark. But despite his newfound role as a sorcerer and protector of the multiverse, there's still a lingering impression that he isn't fully redeemed, as can be seen from the weird kind-of-sort-of-almost romance between Strange and his nurse colleague Christine (played by Rachel McAdams). Whilst Cumberbatch steals the show, the film has some skilled supporting actors. Tilda Swinton makes for a good Ancient One, and naturally Mads Mikkelsen of the Hannibal TV series plays the antagonist Kaecilius in a suitably menacing manner. His character is however incredibly generic and definitely one of the less memorable villains of the MCU. Despite all of the big names attached to this film, the actor that really stands out here is Benedict Wong, who provides some great comic relief and makes his character (also called Wong) extremely likeable.
One of the best qualities of the film is it's visual effects. Doctor Strange explores the more mystical side of the Marvel universe, and this leads to some wonderfully experimental scenes and set pieces. The moment Strange is introduced to the multiverse is especially colourful, surreal and trippy. Even from the first action scene the movie proves itself to be groundbreaking, with buildings and entire streets folding in on themselves in a clear nod to Inception, but on an even grander scale. Despite being a film typical of Marvel, the set pieces at least provide something new. Where else in the MCU would you see an astral projection fight sequence?